Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004
122 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons in the Garda transport section; the number of those who are engaged in maintaining or working on vehicles; the number who are members of the Garda Síochána; the rank of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32626/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that 20 personnel are allocated to the Garda transport section. The rank of these personnel is as follows: inspectors — 2; sergeants — 6; gardaí— 7; civilians — 5. Of the 20 staff, 11 are engaged in vehicle repairs directly or in a supervisory capacity regarding this repair work. The rank of these personnel is as follows: inspectors — 1; sergeants — 3; gardaí— 6; civilians — 1, fleet manager.
123 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements which are in place for the servicing and maintenance of Garda vehicles outside Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32627/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the following arrangements are in place for servicing of vehicles outside Dublin.
Where possible, the nearest main dealer for that particular make and model is used. If that is not possible, a local repairer is used with the consent of the vehicle distributor. Local districts are required to obtain sanction from the fleet management section at Garda headquarters where there is a likelihood that the bill for the servicing of these vehicles will exceed €317.
The use of the main dealer network for servicing and maintaining these vehicles is done in the interests of safety and vehicle reliability. These main dealers are most likely to possess all the necessary diagnostic tools for proper vehicle maintenance. For vehicles involved in accidents, at least three separate tenders must be obtained and submitted to the technical inspector for evaluation and selection. The decision is then made whether to repair or replace the vehicle.
